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The
U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance
Programs (OFCCP) announced Gerber Products Co. has agreed to settle
findings of hiring discrimination against 1,912 rejected minority and
female applicants for entry-level positions. The agreement settles the
department's allegations that Gerber engaged in hiring discrimination
against minority and female applicants for one year.
"This
administration is committed to ensuring that all Americans are hired,
promoted, and compensated fairly, without respect to their race,
gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or veterans' status," said
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This settlement of $900,000 on
behalf of more than 1,912 minorities and females should put all federal
contractors on notice that the Labor Department is serious about
eliminating systemic discrimination."
During a scheduled
compliance evaluation of Gerber Products in Fort Smith, OFCCP
investigators found the hiring disparity was in part caused by
inconsistent selection procedures for entry-level positions.
Additionally, OFCCP found that Gerber used pre-employment tests that
negatively impacted minority applicants and determined that there was
insufficient evidence of validity to support Gerber's use of the test.
Gerber has discontinued its use of the test in the hiring process for
entry-level positions. The company is headquartered in Florham Park,
N.J.
Under the terms of the conciliation agreement, Gerber will
not only pay 1,912 minority and female applicants $900,000 in back pay
and interest, but will provide 61 entry-level positions, 11 of whom
have already been hired. The company has also agreed to undertake
extensive self-monitoring measures to ensure that all hiring practices
fully comply with the law and immediately correct any discriminatory
practice. In addition, Gerber will ensure compliance with Executive
Order 11246 recordkeeping requirements.
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